When They Go Low, We Go High 10 Sep 2018
The European Parliament’s decision not to immediately pass the new EU Copyright Directive in July was seen by many as a major setback. It was defeated by 318 to 278, a margin of 40 votes. This means the proposed legislation now moves forward to a full plenary debate and vote next Wednesday 12 September.
As the music industry faces this pivotal moment, it is worth reflecting how we got here and what we are now facing.
The creative industries as a whole have long argued that embryonic digital legislation passed in the mid 1990s is outdated and simply not fit for purpose. The legislative process is slow at the best of times. Meanwhile, the tech industry “moved fast and broke things,” incurring the wrath of creators whose livelihoods have been upended as a result.
The publication of the draft EU Copyright Directive in late 2016 was an achievement in itself. Not only did the draft legislation address copyright protection and safe harbour loopholes, it also contained provisions concerning fairness and transparency towards creators. Following further debate and lobbying, is even more of an achievement that the key elements of the draft directive remain mostly intact.
The Directive has not been without it’s critics, as is the case with any proposed legislation. Academics, libraries and dignitaries such as Sir Tim Berners-Lee have all put forth concerns. We in the music industry can acknowledge some concerns as understandable even if we believe they are unfounded.
What is not understandable are the thoroughly vile and dishonest tactics deployed during the course of this year, whose objective is to stop the legislation in its tracks at any cost. The scale of this activity reads like set pieces straight out of the Cambridge Analytica playbook.
Some in the music industry have questioned how we fight back given the vast funding involved and the sheer scale of this enterprise. But fight back we must and the actions of those we face only serve to give us greater strength.
As any Jiu-Jitsu grandmaster will tell you: use your opponents’ force against them. In this case, we should call out the deceitful actions from within the tech sector and elsewhere and those actions speak louder than any words.
-
The Financial Times reported some MEPs received death threats
-
MEPs were each bombarded with over 60,000 emails from bots
-
These emails contained identical content according to The Trichordist
-
The same blog named the domain name from which a large number of these emails originated and its link to a US Inc. entity.
-
The same tactics have been found on Twitter: multiple bot accounts promoting #SaveOurInternet and similar hashtags
-
This contrasts to real world protests that only drew a few hundred protestors combined across Europe. The bots did not show up.
These actions must also be viewed against the current backdrop where tech firms have been scrutinised for avoiding responsibility concerning:
-
Blatantly dishonest content
-
Content that incites hatred and violence
-
Little accountability in how such content is disseminated
-
Minimal transparency in how user data is abused in facilitating all this
Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey are amongst those tech executives rebuked by lawmakers on both sides of the Atlantic, for failing to take responsibility and failing to act in managing their own platforms. This is reflective of a broader failure that lies at the heart of a misguided and libertarian ideal, that somehow tech firms are exempt from laws and rules that govern the rest of the world.
The music industry and broader creative and media industries are made up of real people, filled with passion and blood pumping through their veins. They compose their own emails, speak to politicians and show up in person.
At the UK Music organized #LoveMusic busking event in London earlier today, artists, executives and even politicians turned out in support. Artists such as Brett Anderson, Ed Harcourt, Dave Rowntree, Madeleina Kay, Newton Faulkner and BASCA Chair Crispin Hunt. In addition a number of cross party British MPs who support the directive including Tom Watson, Nigel Evans and Kevin Brennan were amongst those in attendance.
One has to ask, if those opposing the EU Copyright Directive have such a compelling argument, why do they resort to such deceitful means? If we judge their actions, the arguments of those opposed to the directive hold no legitimacy and the European Parliament should vote in favour of the directive.
Andy Edwards, music manager and consultant
@andyedwardsbiz
NEWS & PRESS
Matchstick - Digital Talent Agency launches
MATCHSTICK THE NEW DIGITAL TALENT AGENCY SETTING THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY ALIGHT – INVESTED BY BINKY FELSTEAD & DANNY JONES – BINKY FELSTEAD |CARLY NEAVE | DAN TAI | DANAE MERCER DANIELLE VANIER | DANNY JONES | DOMAIN ESDALE| GARETH LOCKE GEORGIA JONES | GEORGIE CLARKE| GRACE MONGEY HERMON & HERODA BERHANE | HONEY ROSE | IMANI EVANS JACK KNIGHTLEY | JESSICA OLIE | LAUREN BLACK|LILLY SABRI MARTINE MCCUTCHEON | MAX GEORGE |...more
Annie Lennox launches global campaign for International Women's Day
The Circle, a global NGO founded by singer, songwriter and activist Annie Lennox that uses the collective power of women to fight for gender equality, today launches a new campaign, #CirclesOfChange, to raise funds for some of the most vulnerable women and...more
Queen Rock Tour
BECOME A ROCK LEGEND WITH THE FIRST EVER OFFICIAL QUEEN GAME ON MOBILE. "Be a Lockdown Rock Star! No turning back !!!" - Brian May, Queen Play along with hits from the band's iconic catalogue Relive their classic concerts by touring the world and performing on...more
Jazz re:freshed announce SXSW online UK showcase filmed in the world famous Studio Two at Abbey Road Studios
The showcase will feature award winning tuba sensation Theon Cross who will also be presented by SXSW as a 3D digital avatar in a unique VR performance - a world first in music showcasing Watch avatar creation video here https://youtu.be/qwwavyhn4dq The...more
AIF issues 'final countdown' warning for Government insurance and VAT support to kickstart festival planning
Independent festivals could be forced to cancel their 2021 events if they don't get Government-backed insurance and VAT intervention by the end of March. Two days before the 2021 budget, the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) warns the Chancellor: this is...more
GALA Festival returns to Peckham Rye Park
GALA Festival announces new dates and lineup for 2021 Taking place over two days for the very first time, South London’s much-loved house and disco fest will have a 5th birthday to remember GALA Festival 202131 July & 1 AugustPeckham Rye Park,...more
Tony Wadsworth CBE announced as the new Chair of The BRIT Trust
Music charity The BRIT Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Wadsworth CBE as its new Chair. Tony, a BRIT Trustee for 16 years and a hugely respected industry figure including for his tenure as Chairman and CEO of...more
Better Noise announces promotion of Dan Waite to President as company expands its global footprint and ventures further into film
Waite Set to Oversee All Music and Film Releases Across the Company’s Global Offices, Including Upcoming Projects from Papa Roach, Escape The Fate, Mötley Crüe, All Good Things, and the Highly-Anticipated Feature Horror Film ‘The Retaliators’ Today, Better Noise Music...more
ADA Asia announces key senior appointments
Chiou Rei Min named Head of Greater ChinaJin Hwang appointed Head of Korea Tan Wei Keng will serve as Director, Business Operations Warner Music Group’s ADA Asia has today announced it has further bolstered its team in the region with the...more
Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ reaches one billion Spotify streams
The Board of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, the first UK listed investment company offering investors a pure-play exposure to songs and associated intellectual property rights, and its Investment Adviser, The Family (Music) Limited, are delighted to announce that Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop...more
Ibiza Club Amnesia Announces Closing Party for 2021 // October 23rd
As the positive news begins to flow around the UK and EU, iconic Ibiza club Amnesia lead from the front by announcing its 'Inverse Season', starting with the always unmissable closing party on October 23rd. Sure to feature all the...more
Liverpool Sound City 2021 moves to October
The organisers of Sound City have made the decision to move the 2021 edition of Liverpool’s famous showcase festival and conference to October 1 – 3. Tickets are now on sale for the celebratory weekend at https://www.soundcity.uk.com/, with all previously purchased...more
Music Venue Trust Add Six More Grassroots Music Venues to the #saveourvenues "Imminent Danger of Closure" Red List
Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced that 20 venues remain in imminent danger of permanent closure with 6 newly highlighted venues added to the #saveourvenues Red List. While Pop in Hyde is...more
Calling Europe's music managers
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL MONDAY MARCH 8TH FOR EMMMA - THE SECOND EDITION OF THE EUROPEAN MUSIC MANAGERS MENTORSHIP ACTIVATION PROGRAMME Developed by the European Music Managers Alliance and funded in partnership with YouTube Music, the EMMMA programme provides an invaluable...more
UK Music urges Chancellor to "back British music" and deliver "sounds of summer" for music fans
UK Music has called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to back its new three-point plan to guarantee a summer packed with the best of British music. Unveiling the plan before the Chancellor's Budget, UK Music Chief Executive Jamie Njoku-Goodwin said the music...more
Sound City 2021 moves to October
Rejjie Snow, The Lathums, Lanterns On The Lake, and Abbie Ozard among first wave of acts Tickets: https://www.soundcity.uk.com/ The organisers of Sound City have made the decision to move the 2021 edition of Liverpool's famous showcase festival and conference to October 1 –...more
Music Venue Trust announce 20 grassroots music venues are still at risk of permanent closure
#saveourvenues #savethe20 www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-our-venues-red-list Music Venue Trust (MVT), which represents hundreds of UK grassroots music venues (GMVs), has announced that 20 venues remain in imminent danger of permanent closure with 6 newly highlighted venues added to the #saveourvenues Red List. While Pop in Hyde...more
BMG hires Rachel Menzies to expand Original Repertoire Services to media clients
BMG has announced the appointment of Rachel Menzies to the position of Senior Director Original Repertoire Services, in a boost to the company's music offering to media clients. Based in London, Menzies reports directly to Alistair Norbury, President Repertoire &...more
DCMS Committee: Chair calls on Chancellor to provide urgent support for festivals
Chair calls on Chancellor to provide urgent support to enable opening up of festivals' sector DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight has urged the Chancellor to announce support next week to encourage more festivals to go ahead this summer. The Treasury had earlier...more
Eight new presenters to join BBC Radio 1 on Fridays
Eight new presenters will take on BBC Radio 1’s Friday Early Breakfast slot over the coming months. Dean McCullough, Rakeem Omar, Danni Diston, Sam MacGregor, Darcy Kelly, Alex West, Numi Gildert and Robyn Richford are the next wave of presenters set...more
Len Phillips Big Band - Abbey Road Studios 20th March 2021
For over 30 years the Len Phillips Big Band has been entertaining lovers of swing music across the UK and around the World. The 17 piece band, whilst recording a new album, will also be performing the first Big Band livestream...more
Hospitality Weekend In The Woods reveals full lineup
Hospitality Weekend In The Woods are incredibly proud to announce the full wave of artists joining their debut festival in September. Across 8 scintillating stage hosts spread across beautiful Beckenham Place Park in south East London, this is already a who’s...more
Creamfields 2021 Sold Out
Creamfields, one of the world’s leading electronic music festivals is the first UK festival to announce sell out when it makes its return this Summer, becoming its fastest selling show to date. The award winning four-day festival which will be bringing...more
Anton Powers joins the KISS Network
New weekend shows on KISS and KISSTORY KISS has announced that globally renowned DJ and producer, Anton Powers is to launch a series of new weekend shows across the network. Starting from March 5th, Anton will be kicking off the weekend every...more
Record Industry Wins Double Landmark UK Court Victory In New Cyberlocker and Stream Ripping Piracy Cases
Following an online hearing, the High Court has ruled that cyberlocker and stream ripping sites, and a stream ripping app, infringe UK copyright The High Court has ordered internet companies to block them The two rulings benefit artists, songwriters, music...more
The British Music Embassy reveals SXSW Online 2021 line-up
35 acts put UK talent front and centre of renowned international festival The British Music Embassy, SXSW’s venue for hotly-tipped UK artists, today unveils 35 artist showcases as part of SXSW Online 2021. The line-up reflects the UK’s reputation for outstanding...more
Bauer Media Audio agrees to acquire Communicorp Group
Bauer Media Audio has today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Communicorp Group subject only to regulatory approval. Through this transaction Bauer Media Audio enters the Republic of Ireland and extends its audio business to eight countries, further...more
Universal Music Publishing Group signs Julia Michaels to exclusive, global publishing agreement
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading, global music publisher, today announced that Grammy Award-nominated artist and songwriter Julia Michaels has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. One of the best-known songwriters in music today, Michaels has written for...more
Sony Music Publishing Signs Kane Brown to Global Deal
Kane Brown and Kent Earls Launch Verse 2 Music as Joint Venture with the Company Sony Music Publishing Nashville today announced the signing of multi-platinum country superstar Kane Brown to a worldwide deal.Brown has also launched Verse 2 Music, his own...more
MU and The Ivors Academy welcome evidence given by Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify to streaming inquiry
The MU and The Ivors Academy were pleased to hear three of the music streaming giants commit to a dialogue with artists and their representatives about how revenue is shared out in the current streaming system, shed light on major...more
THE HEADLINES
Live Nation offers positive outlook for 2021 and beyond (see Business)
Billie Eilish documentary launches on Apple TV (see Digital)
Spotify USA takes on $1.3bn in debt (see Business)
Merck Mercuriadis - "music's most hated man" (see Features)
Streaming services appear at DCMS Inquiry session (see News)
Daniel Ek on how Spotify wants to be at the centre of creator monetisation (see Features)
Spotify announce wide-ranging improvements, features and expansion; no plans for US price increase (see Digital)
Outline for return of live events announced (see News)
Artists are finding better engagement and revenue via Peloton (see Features)
Government to consider 'UK creative industries export office' (see News)
YouTube Spaces to be replaced with online experiences and pop-ups (see Digital)
The music pie has grown, but the number of creators wanting a piece of it has grown faster (see Opinion)
Sony Music’s Wolfgang Boss interviewed (see Features)
James Newman to represent the UK at Eurovision (see Media)
Virgin Music Label and Artist Services launched (see Business)
Beach Boys strike deal with Irving Azoff for music and more (see News)
Big Hit Entertainment and Universal Music Group announce expanded strategic partnership (see Business)
Government admits it is currently not negotiating with EU over touring arrangements (see News)
Merck Mercuriadis faces the future... and stares down his critics (see Features)
Mechanical Licensing Collective receives $424m in unmatched royalties from DSPs (see International)
Failure to secure post-Brexit touring deal threatens careers of future music stars (see Comment) DCMS Committee to consider proposals put forward by the industry today (see News)